Southern Tier Business Leaders Meet to Discuss Common Concerns

Representatives from industry and government in an area that reaches from Cooperstown to Owego are talking about pooling resources to maintain business in the region.

Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News

Southern Tier 8 held its first Industry Summit in Binghamton November 27.

The 8 counties are looking at leveraging their networking structure to access federal funds to solve some of the bigger issues that stand in the way of attracting and keeping business and jobs. Some of the issues of concern include housing, transportation and energy as well as infrastructure shortcomings, particularly when it comes to broadband.

Organizers say the eight counties in the coalition can better function working with each other instead of competing for limited government funding and resources.

Other summits are expected to be scheduled next year with a focus on the agriculture and on the hospitality sector.